Trailer tire wear

[DBBRanger]

I have a 2008 EZ Loader trailer that for about two years now is showing abnormal wear on the outside of the rear passenger tire. I’ve had to replace the tire two times now separate from the rest of the tires. I’ve had the seals replaced and the bearings inspected. I’ve also had the weight carried by each tire weighed and found no significant differences. EZ Loader has no real suggestions. They say it is unlikely that the spindle is bent. The only other suggestion was that the axle could have moved back or forward on one side but it seams that would lead to both tires on that axle having bad wear. At the moment, I’m getting only about 6,000 miles per tire on that location. I’m thinking though that it may be cheaper to replace the tire often rather than a new axle but, at this point I’m not sure of the problem and therefore the solution. Any suggestions?

 

[BB marine]

When you had the tires replaced did you have the tires and wheels balanced? If so disregard this. If not you may have a wheel that is not running true and severely out of balance. I have seen trailer tires mounted and not balanced showing cupping on the outer edges of the tires. Most retail tire stores do not balance trailer tires. When I ask to have it done most will say it is a good idea but no one ever asked to have them balanced.

The other cause may be a worn out internal rubber cords in the torsion axel or worn out leaf spring if it has spring suspension.

 

[PanaSeaAh]

A halfway decent straight edge held across the tire near the center and parallel with the ground will give you the answer about the axle position or if a spindle is bent. The straight edge should land on or very close to the sidewalls of the other tire. Then move the trailer about 1/4 wheel revolution at a time and see how the suspect tire lines up with the other. Then jack up that wheel and spin it to see if the wheel itself is bent. With that much wear, it should not be hard to see what is out of line. You could also take the trailer to a truck spring service center or a body shop with a good frame rack, and they can find the problem right away. Given the strain resulting in that much wear, I would not just run it. There are also some RV service centers that actually know what they are doing, but references are a must. Don't know about where you are, but there is not a boat dealer near me I would let work on a trailer.

 

[DBBRanger]

When you had the tires replaced did you have the tires and wheels balanced?

The other cause may be a worn out internal rubber cords in the torsion axel or worn out leaf spring if it has spring suspension.

Yes the tires were balanced. I assume worn out internal rubber in the torsion axle requires a new axle?

A halfway decent straight edge held across the tire near the center and parallel with the ground will give you the answer about the axle position or if a spindle is bent. The straight edge should land on or very close to the sidewalls of the other tire.

If I'm getting the picture, the side of the straight edge is perpendicular to the side of the tire at or near the hub? So your test would look for a toe in condition, correct? I guess it could also be a camber issue which would mean effectively that the spindle is pointed downwards. I don't know how to test for that. Regardless, assuming it shows out of alignment, can it be the spindle or just the torsion axle needs replacing? I find the trailer people here are not familiar with the torsion type of axle.

Thanks for your help

 

[snydzy]

I had torsion axles on my Integrity trailer…nothing but problems. The setup doesn’t allow for load share, so it’s extremely important to keep the trailer level. Sounds like the axle is misaligned, and most trailer torsion axles don’t have provisions for alignment. I replaced the torsion suspension system with conventional springs and axles last year. This chart might help identify the issue:
http://www.loadrite.com/wp-content/uplo ... reWear.pdf

 

[PanaSeaAh]

You are correct. Would show toe-in or toe-out. You can tell which is more likely from the wear on the tire. Camber not so critical on a trailer unless severe. Some trailers actually have curved axles so camber is neutral under load, and will look really off with no load on the trailer. With torsion setup, it sounds like a replacement for that wheel axle. With little or no investment you can have an idea what needs to be done before you take it to a service center. Still recommend a truck spring shop. They deal with this all the time.

 

[Captharv]

I had that problem with the trailer on my last boat. Take a tape measure and check the distance from where the trailer ball is to the center of the hub, on boat side. The measurement should be the same for both sides of the same axle. Check both axles. The trailer shop found the mounting bracket where it was attached to the trailer frame was bent probably from the factory. They put on a new bracket and no more tire scrubbing.